Lamprey adults may be parasitic or non-parasitic, but the genetic basis of life history type is unknown. Although external differences between types are not apparent until metamorphosis, previous studies have suggested histological differences during ovarian differentiation. This study examined potential differences between parasitic chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon castaneus and non-parasitic northern brook lamprey I. fossor before, during, and after ovarian differentiation, using histological examination of the gonad, quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR, and RNA sequencing. There were no observable differences in the timing or nature of ovarian differentiation. However, there was evidence of differential expression of individual genes associated with growth, apoptosis, and fecundity and of sets of genes associated with energy and lipid metabolism. The sequence resources developed in this project will be useful for future examination of the genetic basis of lamprey life history type and of the genes controlling sex differentiation in these ancient vertebrates.

In this dissertation it is shown that abstract data types (ADTs) can be specified by the Classified Model (CM) specification language - a first-order Horn language with equality and sort "classification" assertations. It is shown how these sort assertations generalize the traditional syntactic signatures of ADT specifications, resulting in all of the specification capability of traditional equational specifications, but with the improved expressibility of the Horn-with-equality language and additional theorem proving applications such as program synthesis. This work extends corresponding results from Many Sorted Algebra (MSA), Order Sorted Algebra (OSA) and Order Sorted Model (OSM) specification techniques by promoting their syntactic signatures to assertions in the Classified Model Specification language, yet retaining sorted quantification. It is shown how this solves MSA problems such as error values, polymorphism and subtypes in a way different from the OSA and OSM solutions. However, the CM technique retains the MSA and order sorted approach to parameterization. The CS generalization also suggests the use of CM specifications to axiomatize modules as a generalization of variables within Hoare Logic, with application to a restricted, but safe, use of procedures as state changing operations and functions as value returning operations of a module. CM proof theory and semantics are developed, including theorems for soundness, completeness and the existence of a free model.

Much has been written over recent years questioning the value of exporting systems of VET from developed countries and expecting them to meet the needs and demands of developing countries. Most recently, the main recipients of development aid, particularly from the EU, have been the countries of the former 'eastern bloc'. As a consultant working on an EU project to upgrade VET in Bulgaria, the author was involved in delivering staff development seminars concentrating on 'new' teaching and learning strategies to teachers within the secondary vocational sector. Although the staff development was well received at the time, questions were raised about whether such fundamental changes in approach, from a very authoritarian and didactic approach, to an approach that is student-centred, could be sustained on the basis of a series of seminars. This thesis examines what impact these seminars have had in promoting the use of the 'new' strategies. In particular, the author examines to what extent cultural and / or contextual factors have played a role in the effectiveness of implementation of the 'new' student-centred teaching and learning strategies.

The persistent demand for increased accountability and value for money in the public sector from both the public and governments raises the issue of quality of service in advice-giving by governmental agencies. The goal of this study is to develop a model to validate frameworks able to contribute to improved advice-giving through the application of knowledge management principles. Zack's (2001) Four Knowledge Problem Model, Brogowicz, Delene, and Lyth's (1990) Synthesised Service Quality Model, and Markus's (2001) Theory of Knowledge Reuse are used to examine knowledge strategies in advice-giving through the application of a case study methodology. Two Queensland public-sector call centres are investigated. This study confirms that although the studied call centres operate under differing business drivers, agents have developed strategies generally consistent with those suggested by Zack (2001) to deal with uncertain, complex, and ambiguous problem types. No equivocal problems were encountered in the study. The solution of the former problem pair of uncertainty and complexity relies on knowledge that is codified and stored in databases, while the latter equivocality and ambiguity, seeks out experts who apply both technical and functional knowledge to the problem resolution. Roles performed by call-centre agents predominantly align with those described by Markus (2001), with the opportunity to enhance performance through contribution by shared-work producers to knowledge repositories. The problem-solving strategies employed by agents and the technical capabilities of the call centres combine to deliver a level of service quality which, although meeting client expectations, has been able to be improved through the application of knowledge strategies targeting efficient problem resolution through knowledge reuse.

The thesis consists of a full-length novel and an exegesis that examines the ways in which humour can be used to restore the symbolic order and serve as a means of regaining control, thus allowing those involved in the most disturbing, painful and challenging situations to feel less powerless. The research component of the thesis involved critical reading, fieldwork, observations, and personal interviews. The texts examined include works by Michael Billig, Henri Bergson and Julia Kristeva, in particular her reference to the act of laughing at the abject as a kind of horrified 'apocalyptic laughter', a compulsion to confront that which repels (Kristeva 1982, pp. 204-206). As part of the fieldwork, I completed training to become a Laughter Club leader. Laughter Clubs are based on the notion that laughter, even fake laughter, is beneficial. This concept is explored in more detail in the exegesis. The fieldwork also included training in laughter-generating activities for students and staff at two local primary schools. The observational component, which involved the Australian War Memorial, the 'Reveries: Photography and Mortality' exhibition, Norwood Crematorium and the children's garden and babies' rose garden at the Gungahlin cemetery, enabled me to examine images and memories of death as well as the responses of other visitors. The final component of my research involved personal interviews. The participants in these interviews were drawn from a diverse range of fields including: volunteers at a local hospice, hospital clowns, general practitioners, cancer survivors and their carers, a psychiatrist, nurses, a paramedic, a police officer, a hospital teacher and bereaved parents. The findings from this research provided the framework for the creative piece, a novel set in present-day Canberra. The story begins one autumn evening when thirteen-year-old Sam is found unconscious and bleeding from a head wound. By the time Maggie, Sam's widowed mother, arrives at the hospital, Sam has regained consciousness. His x-rays show a large mass in his brain and he is kept in for further tests. The results confirm that Sam has an inoperable tumour. Maggie and Sam rely on humour in their interactions both with each other and with other people as a means of maintaining that 'baseline of social control' (Kristeva 1982, p. 99), staying on the edge of what Kristeva refers to as the place 'where meaning collapses' (p. 2). Humour is their anchor, enabling them to maintain a grip on their new normality. And, as if having a dying child isn't enough to cope with, Maggie is being pursued by a handsome and slightly younger man. Both the findings in my exegesis, and the creative work they led to, suggest that although there has been an enormous amount of research undertaken over the previous thirty or so years, there is no conclusive proof that humour can be closely correlated with health. At best, humour can provide a means of controlling that which would otherwise be outside our control.

Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Dept. of Computer Science. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2007/08/30). Includes bibliographical references.

Th. doct.--Math., informatique--Noisy-le-Grand--Éc. natl. ponts et chaussées, 1995. / Bibliogr. p. 135-140. Résumé. 1996 d'après la déclaration de dépôt légal.

Thesis--University of Wisconsin. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Bibliography: leaves [437]-451. Bibliographical footnotes.

Diss.--Fakultät Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaften--Bamberg--Otto-Friedrich-Universität, 1990/91.

Th. 3e cycle--Inform.--Nancy--I.N.P.L., 1984.